Falkland Islands Development Agency appoints Josh Smith as managing director — MercoPress

In the Falkland Islands, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) has appointed Josh Smith as its new managing director. His assumption of the post is contingent on the final resolution of relocation matters. Smith will replace Zachary Franklin, who will finish his work in December, MercoPress reports.

The start date for the new FIDC head has not yet been named. The corporation said it would disclose details of the handover later. Franklin took up the post in September 2022, so by the end of his work he will have led the organization for just over four years.

Experience of the new head

According to FIDC, Smith has more than 20 years of international experience and has held senior positions in the UK civil service. The corporation also said that he worked in Canada, Taiwan and Saudi Arabia in economic development, trade, innovation and public policy. This information comes from an FIDC statement and has not been independently verified.

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Corporation board chair Michael Poole said Smith was selected following a competitive recruitment process, noting his management and commercial experience as well as his strategic vision. Smith himself said he looks forward to working with the board, staff, government, businesses and the community to support sustainable economic growth.

FIDC activities

FIDC was established in 1984 and largely finances its operations independently. It provides loans and grants and supports economic diversification, investment and entrepreneurship on the islands. Its recent areas of work include an internal pilot project using artificial intelligence, participation by local companies in the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators trade show in Maryland in April, the development of maritime links with a shipping group from Valparaiso, and a feasibility study for the construction of a marina.